Sussex - Sky key to cricket

Sky's spending power too great to compromise says Sussex chief

By Elliot Ball   Last updated: 20th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sussex - Sky key to cricket

The Ashes: Free-to-air TV return?

It is our view that the Sky TV contract has offered exposure to parts of the game that would not have gained that otherwise

Sussex chairman Jim May
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Sussex have become the latest county to voice their concerns over plans to restore the Ashes to free-to-air television after the county's chairman Jim May questioned the wisdom of the proposal.

An independent panel chaired by David Davies has proposed the iconic series be restored to the Government's list of 'crown jewels' from 2016.

But the move has sparked widespread criticism by key stakeholders, including the England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke and Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan, who fear the change could have crippling financial repercussions.

Such a move would improve the sport's visibility - as witnessed by the difference in viewing figures for the 2005 series on Channel Four and the 2009 series on Sky.

Risk

But the Sussex chairman feels that without Sky's lucrative television money, the sport in England will suffer through a lack of resources.

He said: "Within cricket, we recognise that there are potential risks to the profile of the game from the inability of the terrestrial TV stations to offer cricket coverage on financial terms, which recognise the value of the sport.

"It is therefore vital that we invest the proceeds wisely to ensure the pipeline of players, volunteers and supporters of the game at all levels is kept full.

"In Sussex we invest over £0.5m each year in developing cricket participation and the TV money directly contributes to these initiatives.

"We support our 240-plus clubs in Sussex by offering advice on facilities improvement, child welfare and recruiting volunteers.

Exposure

"It is our view that the Sky TV contract has offered exposure to parts of the game that would not have gained that otherwise.

"Whilst free-to-air exposure would increase viewing numbers, the risk to revenue would have a major impact on participation and investment programmes in the local cities, towns and villages."

May continued: "I hope that the ECB and the panel can come to a suitable resolution, which protects the progress made to date and ultimately offers greater scope for a wide range of future benefits for the sport.

"At Sussex, we will do all we can to support the process and will watch its progress with great interest."